Operations Site Director
## The Challenge: Rewrite the Playbook at Our Largest Facility
This role is designed for a dynamic leader who thrives on driving transformational change and building the future of manufacturing.
We are seeking a visionary, high-impact Site Director to take the helm of our flagship dairy manufacturing plant in Tulare, CA. As our largest 24/7/365 milk-balancing powerhouse, this facility is primed for its next major chapter of operational evolution. The foundational pieces are all here—the immense scale, the technology, the capital investment, and a resilient team. Now, we need the architect to tie it all together and elevate the site to its full potential.
If you are a seasoned operational leader who is driven by complex challenges rather than "smooth sailing". If you are genuinely energized by driving cultural evolution, leading complex change management, and pushing the boundaries of what a modern plant can do, you’ve found your next legacy project.
## The Mission: Culture, Innovation, and Scale
As the Operations Site Director, you won't just manage daily operations; you will actively redefine the culture and operational excellence of a critical node in our supply chain. You will have the autonomy, the capital backing, and the mandate to drive massive, sustainable transformation. Your strategic roadmap will center on several key priorities:
Lead the Evolution: Rebuild trust, establish clear accountability, and foster a high-performance, collaborative culture across both union and non-union teams.
Pioneer Advanced Tech: We aren't just talking about Industry 4.0—we are doing it. You will leverage data, AI, and cutting-edge automation to optimize plant assets, maximize material yield, and drive predictive reliability.
Own the P&L: Manage resources, capital budgets, and cost-to-serve (CTS) dynamics to maximize profitability for our farmer-owned cooperative.
Balance the Grid: Oversee a massive, round-the-clock operation receiving fresh milk and producing top-tier butter and powder, ensuring flawless execution in quality, safety, and customer service.
## Who You Are
You are likely well-compensated and respected in your current role, but you might be feeling like the heavy lifting is already done where you are. You’re looking for a new mountain to climb. This role could be your next great challenge, and if you bring the following track record of successful transformation, you have the exact blueprint we are looking for.
Required Experience & Blueprint for Success:
The Track Record: 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership, with a definitive history of steering successful manufacturing transformations and cultural evolution.
The Mindset: A champion of LEAN, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement who sees operational gaps as an invitation to innovate.
The People Leader: Proven experience managing union facilities with an authentic, highly engaging leadership style that unifies cross-functional teams (EHS, Quality, Finance, Sales).
The Foundation: A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Agriculture, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field.
Preferred Assets:
While expertise in dairy manufacturing (specifically raw milk and cream processing) is highly valued, it is not a perquisite. We welcome top-tier operational leaders from any high-volume, complex manufacturing background who are ready to learn our process.
Advanced Lean/Continuous Improvement certifications.
## Why Land O'Lakes?
We are a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative. When we win, American farmers win. Named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, we offer the stability of an industry giant with the agility to adopt AI and advanced tech at scale.
The Perks:
Competitive base salary with robust bonus potential.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
401(k) with company match + additional retirement contribution, plus life & disability insurance.
Generous PTO, well-being resources, and education assistance.
Full relocation package for the right leader.
Are you ready to build something that lasts? Submit your application and let’s talk.
Salary Range: $210,520 - $304,100. In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges.
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About Land O'Lakes, Inc.
Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.
Benefits for most full-time roles include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, a 401k and a variety of well-being resources. Most part-time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).
Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.
Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.
Land O'Lakes does not use Automated Decision-Making Technology, as defined by California law, to substantially replace human decision-making or make significant decisions about applications for employment or contracting opportunities.
